October 2020
Ahuriri Kāhui Ako Update ‘Authentic learning and real futures for all Ahuriri ākonga’
Tēnā koutou katoa, Welcome to Term 4! This term is particularly busy for schools as the focus turns to ‘transition’. Teachers, students and whānau will be planning to transition into, out of and within our schools. Moving through early childhood education, school and onto further education or training is challenging for young people – every change requires the child or student to become familiar with new people, practices and expectations. It is important that leaders, teachers and parents help children navigate through and make these shifts, or transitions, as smooth as possible so that learning is continuous (ERO, 2015). Our schools are working to reduce the variability in how well ākonga (students) transition, particularly for those ākonga who are at risk of poor educational outcomes. The Ahuriri Kāhui Ako is a unique community where ākonga transition from early childhood through to primary, intermediate and then onto secondary school within our Kāhui Ako. There is a natural, seamless pathway. The local tertiary institute, EIT, is a post-school pathway for a number of our ākonga. Partnerships are strong between our ECE and schools and this is evident in the newly established ECE/New Entrant and Year 6-9 teacher groups. A transition form has been created so that student information is shared in a consistent way between schools. Tamatea Intermediate and Porritt School have visited Tamatea High School as Manuhiri, to enjoy an activities day and kai as part of supporting transition to secondary school.
The Kāhui Ako was fortunate to receive Urgent Response Funding from the Government to support the immediate wellbeing of our learners as a result of COVID-19. ECE and schools are using the money to provide extra support to students and families who have been affected by COVID-19. A Learning Support Network, made up of representatives from each school, has met and shared quality school practices and expertise. This group will meet again this term to establish a way forward. Representatives from each school, RTLB and Ministry discuss a collaborative approach to Learning Support.